Michael Steele, an analyst for MSNBC, has been accused of promoting "conspiracy theories" after raising questions about the nature of former President Trump's ear injury, sustained during a recent assassination attempt.
MSNBC analyst Michael Steele has found himself at the center of controversy after questioning the severity of former President Trump's ear wound, sustained during a recent assassination attempt. Steele's remarks have sparked accusations of promoting "conspiracy theories" and have been met with criticism from fellow analysts and media outlets.
During MSNBC's coverage of the Republican National Convention, Steele expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding Trump's ear injury. He questioned whether the wound was actually caused by a high-caliber bullet, as Trump has claimed.
MSNBC Analyst Faces Accusations of Conspiracy Theories After Questioning Trump's Ear Wound
"If he was shot by a high-caliber bullet, there should probably be very little ear there," Steele said. "And so, we'd like to know that. Is there cosmetic surgery involved? What is the prognosis for recovery?"
Steele's comments drew immediate criticism from media outlets and conservative commentators, who accused him of promoting conspiracy theories. Mediaite reported that Steele "flirted with conspiracy theories" surrounding the attempted assassination, while NewsBusters accused him of pushing "debunked conspiracy theories."
MSNBC Analyst Faces Accusations of Conspiracy Theories After Questioning Trump's Ear Wound
James Golden, a longtime Rush Limbaugh producer, claimed that Steele "appears to be casting doubt on Donald Trump's injuries." Former NBCUniversal executive Mike Sington posted the clip on Twitter, writing, "Steele questions lack of transparency with Trump’s injury, floats conspiracy theory."
Dispatch editor John McCormack called Steele's comments "bizarre" because "we all saw this happen almost in real-time and have photos and videos."
MSNBC Analyst Faces Accusations of Conspiracy Theories After Questioning Trump's Ear Wound
However, Steele has maintained his position, stating that he is simply raising legitimate questions about the lack of information surrounding Trump's ear injury. He has pointed out that neither Trump nor his campaign have provided any medical updates or information about the wound.
"You would think someone would inquire about Trump’s medical report if for no other reason than Trump has not provided any medical updates or information, neither has the hospital that treated him," Steele wrote on Twitter.
Steele's comments have also been echoed by some medical experts. Dr. Ronny Jackson, a former White House physician who has examined Trump's wound, has stated that the injury is consistent with a bullet wound. However, Jackson has also acknowledged that the wound can be managed with cosmetic surgery, which could potentially alter its appearance.
The controversy surrounding Steele's comments highlights the growing divide in American politics, where even the most mundane events can become politicized and subject to conspiracy theories. It also raises questions about the role of analysts in questioning the statements of public figures, especially when those statements are not backed up by evidence.
MSNBC did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Steele's remarks.
